“Wicca: A Guide For the Solitary Practitioner” by Scott Cunningham
Cunningham’s classic introduction to Wicca is about how to live life magically, spiritually, and wholly attuned with nature. It is a book of sense and common sense, not only about magick, but about religion and one of the most critical issues of today: how to achieve the much needed and wholesome relationship with our Earth. Cunningham presents Wicca as it is today: a gentle, Earth-oriented religion dedicated to the Goddess and God. Wicca also includes Scott Cunningham’s own Book of Shadows and updated appendices of periodicals and occult suppliers. (Amazon)
I love Scott Cunningham! Almost every Wicca 101 website suggested Scott Cunningham books when just starting out, and I agree. Some people might not like his style, but I felt it was like getting a hug from your grandfather; safe, comforting, leaving you feeling good inside. And the stuff he says makes sense.
The book is divided into three different parts; Theory, Practice, and his Book of Shadows. There are several helpful diagrams, such as altar layouts, symbols and signs, and the reference section in his Book of Shadows is very useful. Even though the book is geared towards an eclectic pagan going down a solitary path, he does include information about coven work and established traditions. There are also some classic inclusions, such as Cunningham’s description of Personal Power, Earth Power, and Divine Power, his ‘Thirteen Goals of a Witch’, and his ‘controversial’ stance on initiation.
Wicca was first published in 1989, but I think its still one of the best Wicca 101 books out there. Highly recommended.
(c) A Year And A Day (2012)
West Coast Pagan 